PFP
Showing 225–240 of 361 results
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A primer on the timing of RMDs
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 357
Abstract: A key aspect of any retirement plan is knowing when to begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from employer-sponsored defined contribution plans and traditional IRAs. This article discusses how to determine the minimum distribution amount that can be taken from an account each year, along with the tax implications, which vary according to the age at which withdrawals begin.
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How liable are you for fraudulent credit card charges? Limit losses by being proactive
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 674
Abstract: The theft of millions of customers’ credit and debit card data last holiday season was a wake-up call for consumers who underestimated their vulnerability to credit and debit card fraud. And experts believe massive data breaches are likely to continue happening. Fortunately, federal laws can help limit individuals’ potential liability stemming from unauthorized charges. This article explains those laws but also shows how consumers can help themselves by closely monitoring their accounts. A sidebar notes the even greater danger posed by identity theft.
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Exemption portability vs. a credit shelter trust – One offers simplicity, the other provides additional benefits
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 719
Abstract: A major advantage of current federal tax law is that estate tax exemption “portability” is now permanent. This means that married couples can maximize the benefits of their combined exemptions without the need for sophisticated estate planning involving multiple trusts. However, for many people, particularly the affluent, more-sophisticated strategies – such as a credit shelter trust – might still be more beneficial. This article offers a number of reasons why.
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Floating-rate bond funds offer an alternative yield source
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 759
Abstract: When interest rates rise, bond funds can suffer. Certain fixed-income investment strategies may help investors manage the risk. Floating-rate bond funds — also known as bank loan funds or senior loan funds — are one option to consider. These funds invest in floating-rate bank loans, which are short-term debt instruments with a variable interest rate. These funds offer reduced interest-rate risk, but carry additional risks that should be carefully considered before investing. This article examines the benefits and the trade-offs.
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Protect your assets with a postnuptial agreement
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 268
Abstract: Many who marry don’t give a prenuptial agreement a second thought — until marital discord sets in. At that point, a postnuptial agreement might be advisable. Similar to a prenup, postnups typically include provisions for property division in addition to setting a specific spousal support dollar amount. This brief article looks at some of the considerations involved in obtaining a postnup.
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Is an HSA right for you?
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 723
Abstract: One health care arrangement that has been soaring in popularity in recent years has been the pairing of a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). This article takes a closer look at the benefits of HSAs, along with their relationship to HDHPs and the caveats involved. A sidebar lists HSA contribution limits and deductibles for individuals and families.
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Getting — and staying — diversified – Strategies for keeping your portfolio on track
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 775
Abstract: One of the tenets of long-term investing is that diversification reduces a portfolio’s risk. But, while diversification is easy to understand in theory, it’s harder to execute in practice. There’s no one right way to diversify — the right approach depends on one’s individual goals and financial situation. This article discusses the challenge of getting diversification right: It’s a process that involves determining an appropriate asset allocation and regularly rebalancing assets.
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6 common mistakes when saving for retirement
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 851
Abstract: People have decades to prepare for retirement, yet too many make simple mistakes that can derail their ability to achieve financial goals. Fortunately, many common errors are easily avoidable with some planning. This article lists six of the biggest mistakes to watch for. A sidebar explains the importance of taking full advantage of 401(k) plans.
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Choose the beneficiary of your retirement plan carefully
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 312
Abstract: This article describes the importance of understanding how the beneficiary one chooses to inherit an IRA, 401(k) plan or other retirement account can affect the income and estate tax consequences. For non-Roth accounts, there are three factors to consider that can affect the beneficiary’s income tax liability. It’s also important to consider the estate tax consequences of choosing a spouse, vs. someone else, as beneficiary.
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Making the best of a capital loss
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 702
Abstract: Incurring a capital loss might be considered an unfortunate part of investing or an opportunity to lower tax liability and reposition one’s portfolio, respectively. As this article explains, it’s possible to use capital losses to offset any capital gains realized in that same tax year, even if one is short term and the other is long term. The article discusses trading stocks in a manner that doesn’t run afoul of the “wash sale” rule and choosing among several methods of designating lots when selling securities.
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Is college right around the corner? How to prepare your finances for big expenses
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 587
Abstract: When it comes to college, even affluent families can start to feel the pinch. Although there’s no substitute for a head start on college savings, there are several options to consider when it comes to meeting college costs head on. This article looks at scholarship opportunities, tax-saving strategies, and adjusting one’s investment portfolio.
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Tax-smart investing – For income-seekers, municipal bonds may be worth a look
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 848
Abstract: Municipal bonds (often referred to as “munis”) can be attractive to income-seeking investors because they provide an income stream exempt from federal and, in certain cases, state and local income taxes. As this article explains, they traditionally have been of greatest use for upper-income taxpayers, but they are not without risks, such as vulnerability to higher interest rates and the risk that a bond issuer won’t be able to repay its debts. A sidebar shows how to compare taxable and tax-free bonds.
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Does your child receive investment income? If so, follow IRS reporting rules
January / February 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 324
Abstract: If a child receives investment income — such as interest, dividends, capital gains and other unearned income (for example, from a trust) — he or she must report it to the IRS by filing an income tax return. This article discusses whether this income should be reported on the child’s or the parent’s return and takes a look at the “kiddie tax.”
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Revise your estate plan to cover health care directions
January / February 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 682
Abstract: What is a person to do if he or she is terminally ill or permanently unconscious, and can’t communicate? Who will make medical decisions on his or her behalf? This is why it’s important to put one’s wishes in writing before a situation like this arises. Generally, that means executing two documents: 1) a living will and 2) a health care power of attorney. This article explains the differences between the two documents and describes what they can accomplish, while a sidebar reminds that the documents should be easily accessible.
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Discussing finances with your spouse – Communicate early and often to minimize disagreements
January / February 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 800
Abstract: According to one university study, married couples who reported disagreeing about financial matters once per week were significantly more likely to divorce than those who reported financial-related disagreements less often. But communication strategies can bridge potential divides before they become chasms, and can strengthen both a couple’s relationship and their finances. This article discusses several such strategies.
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Preferred stock – Hybrid securities behave like bonds, trade like equities
January / February 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 726
Abstract: While discussions about stocks typically refer to common stocks, there’s also a second, less widely understood type of stock that straddles both the equity and bond world: preferred stocks. For equity investors motivated primarily by consistent, relatively high income payments, they may be worth a look. This article compares preferred stock with both common stock and bonds, noting that there are multiple flavors of preferred stock to choose from. But there are risks involved, making it generally preferable that such stocks form a relatively small component of a broadly diversified portfolio. A sidebar notes the varying tax treatment of preferred stock dividends.